Page last updated: 21 October 2024
How many people visit Biscayne National Park each year?
Over 571,242 tourists visited Biscayne National Park in 2023.
- Biscayne National Park welcomed 708,522 visitors in 2019. However, when the pandemic hit in 2020, this number dropped by 43% to 402,770.
- By 2021, visitor numbers reached 702,655, just 1% below pre-pandemic figures.
- However, the number of tourists decreased in 2022 and 2023, with 701,023 and 271,242 visits, respectively.
How much do visitors spend at Biscayne National Park every year?
In 2023, visitor spending at Biscayne National Park amounted to $42.60 million.
- In 2019, visitors to Biscayne National Park generated $46.41 million in expenditure. However, in 2020, visitor spending dropped by 43% to $26.49 million.
- Biscayne National Park recovered in 2021, with $50.55 million spent by tourists.
- In 2022, tourist spending amounted to $50.95 million, and in 2023, this decreased by 16% to $42.60 million.
How many people visited Biscayne National Park in 2023?
- In 2023, Biscayne National Park welcomed a total of 571,242 visitors, with 1,997 overnight campers and 569,245 same-day tourists. This was 18% less than the visitors recorded in 2019.
How much did tourists spend in Biscayne National Park in 2023?
- Visitors to Biscayne National Park spent almost $42.60 million in 2023.
Impact of Coronavirus
Biscayne National Park Tourism Statistics 2020 and 2021
- In 2020, Biscayne National Park visitor numbers fell to 402,720 due to the coronavirus pandemic. This marked a decrease of 43% from the 2019 figure of 708,522. In 2021, there was a 75% increase compared to 2020 with 705,655 visits.
- Tourist spending followed a similar trend. After 2019’s expenditure figure of $613 million, tourist spending dropped to $58 million in 2020. However, in 2021, visitor spending increased to $255 million but this was still below pre-pandemic figures.
How popular is Biscayne National Park?
- Biscayne National Park ranked 36th among U.S. national parks based on visitation numbers for 2023.
Read more about the U.S. National Park Ranking.
When is the best time to visit Biscayne National Park?
- The best times to visit Biscayne National Park are typically in winter (December to February) and spring (March to May) for comfortable temperatures and active wildlife.
- If wanting to enjoy water activities and don’t mind the heat, summer can also be rewarding. Fall can be one of the choices, it offers a peaceful experience with milder weather and fewer tourists.
What were Biscayne National Park’s peak tourist months in 2023?
- July (66,638 visits): The highest visitation month, driven by summer vacations and weather for water-based activities such as boating, snorkelling, and kayaking.
- April (61,781 visits): High visitation in April due to spring break, attracting both domestic and international tourists seeking warm-weather outdoor experiences.
- March (61,580 visits): As part of the spring break season, March is known for its pleasant weather and the availability of a variety of recreational activities.
- February (53,636 visits): Visitors are drawn by milder winter temperatures, ideal for outdoor activities without the peak summer heat.
- May (53,570 visits): May marks the end of the spring season, with visitors enjoying pre-summer conditions and lower crowds compared to the peak summer months.
What were the most popular types of camping at Biscayne National Park in 2023?
- All 1,997 overnight visitors opted for tent camping in 2023.
Biscayne National Park Facts
- Size: Covers approximately 172,971 acres (270 square miles), with 95% of the area underwater.
- Location: Situated just south of Miami, at the northern end of the Florida Keys, bordered by Key Biscayne to the north and Key Largo to the south.
- Ecosystems: The park features four distinct ecosystems: mangrove swamps, shallow waters of Biscayne Bay, coral limestone keys, and offshore coral reefs.
- Coral Reefs: Home to the only living coral barrier reef in the continental United States, part of the larger Florida Reef system.
- Biodiversity: Supports over 600 species of fish, as well as endangered species like sea turtles and manatees. The park is also home to various migratory birds and unique plant species.
- Maritime Heritage Trail: Features at least 44 shipwrecks, providing opportunities for snorkelling and diving.
What are the most common causes of death in Biscayne National Park?
There were 20 recorded deaths in Biscayne National Park between 2007 and August 2024. Here are the main causes of death in the park:
- Other Transportation Accidents (8 deaths)
- Drowning (7 death)
- Environmental Accidents (1 deaths)
- Undetermined (1 deaths)
Biscayne National Park Safety Tips
When visiting Biscayne National Park, it’s essential to be mindful of safety precautions due to the park’s remote location and harsh conditions. Follow these guidelines:
General Safety Tips:
- Weather Awareness: Check the forecast before heading out, as weather can change rapidly, especially in summer. Dress in layers and bring a light jacket for cooler evenings.
- Sun Protection: Use reef-safe sunscreen and wear UV-blocking clothing, hats, and polarised sunglasses.
- Boating Precautions: Follow boating regulations, wear a personal flotation device (PFD), and be cautious of strong currents and shallow areas.
- Marine Life Awareness: Watch for dangerous marine life like jellyfish, stingrays, and sharks, especially near mangroves or during fishing.
- Wildlife Safety: Do not feed or approach wildlife, and remain vigilant near crocodile habitats, particularly in mangrove areas.
- Insect Precautions: Use DEET-based insect repellent and wear long sleeves and pants to protect against mosquitoes, especially at dawn and dusk.
- Stay Hydrated: Bring sufficient water, as there are no food or gas stations within the park.
- Snorkelling Safety: Snorkel with a buddy, have prior experience, and be aware of currents.
National Park (NP) Tourism Statistics
References
- NPS: Facts and Figures – Visitation, Ranking and Mortality Data